Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa was originally built in 1984. Unlike most of the properties on the beach, it has never changed ownership. In 2016, the hotel underwent renovations in the lobby and rooms that swapped dated decor for modern furnishings. At first, the property feels slightly tucked away off the main road, but once inside, the hotel becomes the destination. Decor touches include contemporary, arty light fixtures, a light ocean-inspired palette with charcoal gray and dark turquoise, and white and muted oak wood furniture. Honeycomb wall accents behind the reception desk feel modern, while the peach-colored marble floors hint at the property’s true age. Like several large Marriott hotels, this resort sees a lot of corporate guests, with families and couples mixed in. The hotel is subtly split between its business side and leisure side, in order to control the vibe and experience for both types of guests. 

As its name suggests, this hotel is located on the southern section of Fort Lauderdale Beach, off a small side road from the main A1A/Seabreeze Avenue. This is a quieter stretch of beach and a more industrial/hotel-only area, though guests are within a 20-minute walk up the beach from Las Olas Boulevard's shops, bars, and restaurants. The Water Taxi stop on Seabreeze Avenue is just an eight-minute walk from the hotel, giving guests access to several spots in the surrounding area. Those looking to go to Miami can reach the airport in just over 30 minutes by car and South Beach in 45 minutes. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport is a 15-minute drive away. 

Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach has 650 stylish rooms that were renovated in 2016 with contemporary decor and an upscale beige color scheme. All rooms have tile flooring, faux tree trunk-style headboards, leather office chairs, and brushed metal accents. Mirrored barn doors in the bathrooms and super-stocked minibars are welcome touches. Guests can expect Thann bath products, bathrobes, and thoughtful bonuses such as makeup removing wipes and bedside USB charging stations. Standard amenities include coffeemakers, flat-screen TVs, air-conditioning, ironing facilities, hairdryers, and safes. However, Wi-Fi requires a fee for all but Marriott Rewards members.Rooms start out with interior views and rise to spectacular city views and rooms with views of the intracoastal waterfront. Upgrades to direct ocean-view rooms lead to furnished balconies and gorgeous vistas of the Atlantic. Seaside Suites add Keurig machines and upgraded minibars. Each of these suites also has a combined dining and living room area with a pullout sofa. While there is lots of natural light in these areas, the bedrooms have no windows (pro for some). Balconies in these rooms are larger, private, and face the ocean, but are furnished with just two chairs. 

The hotel’s beach is a favorite among guests, thanks to the quarter mile of soft sand and waves from the Atlantic. Additionally, the beach area is well-maintained and well-serviced by the hotel. Beach loungers and both pole and pullover umbrellas are free, and cabanas with chairs, sinks, mini-fridges, and TVs are available for a daily fee. For the most part, this semi-private beach area is quiet, though it can get crowded during peak season. 

For breakfast, Riva serves up a buffet and a la carte menu, plus brunch on Sundays (and lunch on occasion). This restaurant has a private dining room and patio seating options. Sea Level is a casual poolside restaurant and bar that's open for lunch and dinner. 3030 Ocean is only open for dinner and it has an upscale bistro menu and vibe. During the day, guests can grab drinks at the bar while watching TVs tuned into sports and news channels. For quick healthy bites, bowls, and smoothies, guests can stop into the HB Fresh Juice and Yogurt shop. There’s also a Starbucks on-site, and 24-hour room service with its own menu is available. 

All the expected features are available at this family- and business-friendly hotel. In addition to the beach, there are three whirlpools and two regular pools. The main lagoon-style pool is surrounded by several umbrellas and loungers, all equipped with flags for waiter service from the adjacent restaurant. Big bungalow tents are available for rent, and they each come with a TV, chairs, loungers, and cushy lounge bed. Hidden behind some landscaping is the spa pool, open only to adults and guests with spa appointments. This relaxed area has its own food and drink menus, and cushioned loungers. The spa has a classically elegant look with lots of marble and wood paneling. Here, visitors can expect treatment areas, a co-ed relaxation room, dedicated beauty salon, one of the hotel's whirlpools, and locker rooms with steam rooms and saunas. Spa facilities are only available for guests with appointments. The fitness area is large and feels like a smaller version of a full-service gym. There are separate rooms for spinning and exercise classes, plus state-of-the-art Technogym machines and free weights. Kids 5 to 12 can spend either half or full days at the Surf Club for an extra fee. Located off the main pool, this indoor/outdoor facility has a small water area, plastic toys, a theater, and planned programming such as crafts, video games, and outdoor scavenger hunts. A nice business perk of the property is the availability of nearly 50,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor event and meeting spaces. Rental only includes lighting (audiovisual equipment is outsourced and costa extra), and banquet menus are available. The hotel lobby also has a co-working bar space with several built-in electrical outlets. As is common for the area, guests are charged a hefty daily resort fee. It covers beach chairs with an umbrella, gym access, one hour per day of non-motorized water sports like snorkeling or kayaking, two fitness classes per day, and two welcome drinks. There are also basketball and tennis courts on-site. Guests can expect to pay extra for motorized water sports and activities, and both valet and self-parking. Parking fees are high, though that's typical for the area. A resort mini-mart sells food, drinks, and miscellaneous conveniences.